20 Questions: the best answers of 2015

Japan Times On Sunday contributors select the responses that made them laugh loudest this year

What’s your favorite Japanese word or phrase? I like the word sōzō. In kanji, it can be written 創造, which means “to create,” or 想像, which means “to imagine.” It’s nice that one word can have two different meanings, both of which are inspirational and artistic.— Mariya Suzuki, illustrator, Nov. 29

Why, Japanese people? People throw beans at demons at Setsubun on Feb. 3. WHY, JAPANESE PEOPLE?!? There is no way a demon would be kept at bay by a bean!— Atsugiri Jason, comedian, Feb. 9

Any memorable moments with co-star Robin Williams over the three “Night at the Museum” films? On the first film, we were standing together off-screen and I was marveling at the music my costume was making with all the beads jangling around. I started moving to a beat and Robin improvised an entire rap song over it.— Mizuo Peck, “Night at the Museum” actress, March 22

What’s the strangest request you’ve ever been asked in your line of work? During fan service after a performance in Taipei, a female fan asked me to headbutt her. Obviously not wanting to hurt her or incur a lawsuit, I gave her a gentle scalp to scalping. However, she said it didn’t hurt and insisted I do it properly.— Ladybeard, Australian idol and pro-wrestler, April 26

What’s the strangest request you’ve ever been asked in your line of work? Oh, there’s been quite a few. One that pops to mind was from an absolute beginner. He bought a guitar that came with a gigbag. His question? Can you tell me what these pockets on the bag are for? My answer? Ahhh … for putting stuff in, you know, stuff you need to carry?— Josh Parkin, luthier (a fancy name for guitar maker), April 12

What’s the strangest request you’ve ever been asked in your line of work? I have been featured on TV in South Korea three times. One time, I was asked to dress as Ray Charles and play keyboard.— Ahmed Mohamed Elmardi, Sudanese artist, May 24

What’s the strangest request you’ve ever been asked in your line of work? I was asked to make people float in the air with balloons. We were able to make people fly with the help of 4,000 balloons.— Masaki Matsunaga, entrepreneur, Sept. 27

Do you have any words of advice for young people? See your own country from the outside; it’s easier to see something you haven’t experienced before when you’re not stuck on the inside.— Maya Onoda, Installation artist, March 8